Many people have asked us, What is the difference in the American Golden and an English Cream Golden? There are actually 3 types of Golden Retriever.
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The American Golden: Commonly seen in shades of honey colors ranging from dark red to light blond.
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The Canadian Golden: Usually the darker of the Golden Retrievers. They are taller and leaner than the other goldens and often have a thinner coat.
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The English Cream Golden: These goldens are very light in color, often considered 'white' in color. The American Kennel Club does not officially recognize white as a standard color for the Golden Retriever.
English Cream vs American Golden
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland. The cream color has always been a part of the spectrum of colors found in this breed. The United Kennel Club states that the English Cream Golden was bred by British Aristocrats to be a dual purpose dog, able to retrieve waterfowl and upland game birds, but also be a companion. This Golden tends to be stockier with a blockier head. The English Cream Goldens also seem to enjoy better overall health than their American Golden relatives. Irresponsible overbreeding of the American Golden has led to a greater incident of cancer and hip dysplasia.